US Navy Diverts Over 100 Commercial Ships from Strait of Hormuz Amidst Iranian Sanctions and New Authority

Washington D.C. The US Navy has diverted the route of more than 100 commercial ships from the Strait of Hormuz. This was stated in a statement released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday.

This move is part of the US blockade imposed on Iranian ports, the statement said. This US blockade is being carried out as part of the ongoing pressure campaign against Iran. US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper has claimed that the blockade has financially crippled Iran.

What is Iran doing in the Strait?

Meanwhile, Iran has established a new regulatory body to formalize its sovereign claim over the Strait of Hormuz. The body, named the 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' (PGSA), has claimed that the Strait will be under Iranian military control for monitoring.

A map released by PGSA shows that some maritime areas of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman have also been included in Iran's military monitoring zone.

Iran has stated that ships using this strategic Strait will now have to coordinate and obtain permission from PGSA. It has also been reported that efforts are being made to collect fees from ships for safe passage through the Strait.

The US Department of the Treasury has warned that companies or individuals paying fees imposed by Iran may fall under US sanctions.